Irresistible Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos: Your Ultimate Taco Tuesday Celebration
Transform your weeknight dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos. A vibrant symphony of flavors and textures, this recipe brings together succulent honey-lime marinated chicken, a smoky charred corn salsa, creamy avocado, and fresh garnishes, creating a taco that’s anything but ordinary. Perfect for a memorable Taco Tuesday or any gathering, these tacos promise a burst of fresh, zesty, and satisfying taste in every bite.
Embrace the Flavors of Summer: Grilling Corn to Perfection
As the weather warms and days lengthen, there’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of fresh corn on the grill. This time of year, I find myself completely captivated by grilling corn, embracing its sweet, smoky potential in countless dishes. The magic of charring corn transforms simple kernels into bursts of flavor, adding an incredible depth that complements a wide array of recipes. From classic Mexican street corn variations to vibrant salsas, that distinctive charred essence infused into naturally sweet corn kernels creates an unmatched taste profile that pairs beautifully with almost anything.
My personal obsession revolves around crafting homemade corn salsa, and my partner couldn’t be happier about it. I’m convinced that his love for me reaches new heights every time he sees a bowl of this vibrant salsa gracing our dinner table. The sheer joy that lights up his eyes at the sight of this colorful creation is truly priceless.
The Heart of the Taco: Exquisite Corn Salsa and Honey Lime Chicken
It’s no wonder why this corn salsa holds such a special place in our hearts. It’s essentially the best thing ever – a harmonious blend of bold flavors and delightful textures. The zesty kick of fresh lime, the subtle heat from jalapeño, and a warming hint of cayenne pepper create a robust flavor profile that is both invigorating and addictive. This incredible salsa provides the perfect counterpoint to the star of our tacos: the perfectly marinated chicken.
The chicken itself is a marvel of juiciness and flavor. Marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-lime mixture, each strip of grilled chicken is infused with an irresistible taste that perfectly balances the spice of the corn salsa. The honey provides a subtle sweetness and helps with caramelization on the grill, while the lime juice tenderizes the meat and adds a bright, citrusy zing. Grilling the chicken ensures it remains moist and develops a fantastic smoky char, adding another layer of complexity to these extraordinary tacos.
A Symphony of Textures and Flavors: Assembling Your Perfect Taco
When you bring these components together, magic happens. Creamy slices of ripe avocado meld seamlessly with the robust, smoky corn salsa. The crisp, refreshing crunch of purple cabbage adds a vital textural contrast, while the subtle saltiness and crumbly texture of queso fresco tie all the vibrant flavors together. BOOM! You’ve just created a phenomenal chicken dinner that you’ll find yourself yearning for every single spring and summer night.
Seriously, these easy chicken tacos are incredibly addictive. I’ve personally made them at least five times since perfecting the recipe, and I’m quite certain my partner would be thrilled even if I doubled that amount. They strike the perfect balance between healthy, flavorful, and satisfying, making them an ideal meal for any day of the week, especially a lively Taco Tuesday gathering.
Expert Tips for Taco Perfection
My top tip for elevating these Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos is to prepare the corn salsa as early as possible. Once you’ve combined the charred corn kernels with jalapeño, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, salt, pepper, and cayenne, let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the other taco elements—slicing the avocado, shredding the cabbage, crumbling the cheese, and cooking the chicken. The longer these incredible ingredients meld together in the bowl, the more pronounced, vibrant, and bolder the flavors of your corn salsa will become. This simple step truly makes a significant difference, allowing the spice, citrus, and sweetness to intermingle perfectly.
Serving Suggestions & Customization
When it comes to additional toppings for these mouthwatering chicken avocado tacos, the possibilities are endless! I personally love to serve them with a generous dash of my current favorite hot sauce (I go through them quickly – what can I say? I adore spice!). A fresh squeeze of extra lime juice and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro always enhance the vibrant flavors.
For a more substantial meal, consider pairing these tacos with cilantro-lime rice, hearty black beans, or a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess. Other fantastic additions include pickled red onions, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, or even a drizzle of crema. Feel free to get creative and tailor these tacos to your personal taste preferences!
Just a friendly warning: once you’ve experienced the incredible blend of flavors in these grilled chicken tacos, you might just find that no other taco compares. They are truly that good!
Essential Equipment for Grilling Success
To truly master these Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos, having the right tools can make all the difference, especially when grilling. An excellent pellet grill, like the Traeger grill mentioned, is invaluable. These grills are incredibly versatile, capable of everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. They get hot incredibly fast, ensuring your chicken develops that beautiful char and cooks through evenly. Moreover, they infuse everything with a distinct, smoky flavor that elevates both the chicken and the corn to new heights, delivering that authentic grilled taste you crave.
For this specific recipe, using Traeger grill signature pellets is a fantastic choice, as they impart a balanced, delicious smoky essence. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with other wood pellet flavors like pecan or hickory for a slightly different, yet equally delightful, smoky twist on your grilled chicken and vegetables. These subtle variations can add another layer of complexity to your tacos.
Finally, a sturdy pair of grilling tongs, such as the Traeger grill tongs, are an absolute must-have. Their robust design and strong grip make them perfect for confidently handling chicken breasts and corn on the hot grill. Good tongs provide the precision and control needed to flip and maneuver your food without drops or mishaps, ensuring even cooking and perfect charring.
Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos
equipment
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Hickory Hardwood Grill Pellets
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Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill
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Wusthof 8″ Artisan Butcher Knife, Hollow Edge
ingredients
- 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 2-2 1/2 lbs total)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 ears Corn husked
- 1 Jalapeño seeded and diced
- Zest and juice from one Lime
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Cilantro (fresh)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper
- 12 White Corn Tortillas
- 2 Avocados peeled, pitted and sliced
- 2 cups Purple Cabbage shredded
- 1 cup Crumbled Queso Fresco
- Hot Sauce
- Chopped Cilantro
- Lime Wedges
instructions
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For the honey lime chicken, add chicken breasts, fresh lime juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to a large, sealable bag. Shake or massage the bag to thoroughly combine the ingredients and ensure the chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag.
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Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
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Once the grill is hot, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (discarding any excess marinade) and place them directly on the hot grill grates. Place the husked corn cobs on the grill alongside the chicken.
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Grill both the corn and chicken until they are fully cooked through, flipping them halfway to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks. This process typically takes about 10 minutes, but cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the heat of your grill. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C). The corn should have tender kernels with visible charring.
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Remove the cooked chicken and corn from the grill and let them cool slightly on a cutting board or platter.
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When the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the charred corn kernels away from the cobs. Transfer the kernels to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced jalapeño, fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, salt, black pepper, and ground cayenne pepper to the bowl. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine, creating your vibrant corn salsa. For best flavor, let the salsa sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Slice the rested grilled chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized strips.
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To assemble your delicious tacos, warm the white corn tortillas. Divide the sliced chicken pieces evenly among the tortillas. Top each chicken layer with generous slices of creamy avocado, a spoonful of the flavorful charred corn salsa, a sprinkle of fresh shredded purple cabbage, and a scattering of crumbled queso fresco.
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Serve these incredible Charred Cilantro Lime Corn Chicken Avocado Tacos immediately, accompanied by your favorite hot sauce, extra chopped cilantro, and fresh lime wedges for an added burst of citrus. Enjoy!